Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-17 at 10:05

HEADLINES
Iran Leader Dismisses Trump, Calls Israel a "Cancer"
Gaza Warns of Imminent Israeli Military Action
Hezbollah Infrastructure Targeted in Lebanon Clashes

The time is now 06:00 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

$news_data = {
"fronts": {
"Iran": {
"leader": "Ayatollah Ali Khamenei",
"statements": [
"Khamenei dismissed US President Trump's comments during his Gulf visit as 'not worth responding to.'",
"He accused Trump of lying about wanting peace and warned of consequences if Iran does not respond to US nuclear proposals.",
"Khamenei characterized Israel as 'a dangerous, deadly cancerous tumor' that must be uprooted, asserting that it is the primary source of regional conflict and corruption."
],
"regional_context": "Iran remains defiant amidst ongoing tensions with the United States over nuclear negotiations and regional influence."
},
"Gaza": {
"recent_events": [
"Israeli military dropped leaflets over central Gaza area, depicting the parting of the Red Sea with a Quranic verse and warning residents that Israeli forces are approaching."
],
"other": "Potential for imminent military activity remains high, with signs pointing to a possible cross-border operation."
},
"West Bank": {
"events": "No specific incidents reported today; focus remains on Gaza and broader tensions."
},
"Lebanon": {
"military": "Israeli forces targeted and eliminated a Hezbollah commander involved in rebuilding terrorist infrastructure in Bint Jbeil. The IDF stated this activity breaches Lebanon-Israel understandings."
,
"other": "Lebanese sources report that Israeli strikes have destroyed all Hezbollah-involved caravans in the southern villages of Lebanon."
},
"Syria": {
"US policy": "President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria has elicited mixed reactions. While Damascus celebrates, Israel remains cautious, with US officials outlining conditions for further relief.",
"regional_implication": "The move signals a shift in US policy, potentially affecting the balance of power and stability in the region."
},
"Iraq": {
"events": "Leaders from Arab nations, including Palestinian President Abu Mazen, arrived in Baghdad for the 34th Arab Summit. The summit underscores ongoing regional diplomacy amid broader geopolitical tensions."
},
"Yemen": {
"events": "First commercial flight of Yemeni airlines lands in Sanaa after ten days of Israeli strikes. Casualty reports from recent Israeli operations in Hudaida now total twelve dead."
}
},
"international_impacts": {
"US": {
"policy": "US President Trump’s recent decision to lift sanctions on Syria has surprised allies and adversaries, with conditions for further relief being specified."
},
"Middle East": {
"region": "Tensions persist across multiple fronts, with ongoing Israeli military actions, regional political shifts, and diplomatic efforts."
}
},
"domestic issues": {
"Israel": {
"military": "IDF confirms targeted killings of Hezbollah operatives and ongoing efforts to prevent terrorist infrastructure rebuilding.",
"public": "Heavy traffic and tourist influx reported at Palmachim Beach National Park amid ongoing security alerts."
},
"Weather": {
"current": "Temperatures across Israel and the region surpass 40 degrees Celsius, with low humidity and extreme dryness noted."
}
},
"other stories": {
"Research": "A study from the Australian National University finds men fall in love...